2017 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · DN66 HHM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 October 2025, was passed but recorded four minor defects and one advisory. The defects relate to lighting (off‑side registration plate lamp inoperative and slight damage to both headlamp lenses) and a severely deteriorated dust cover on the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage. The advisory notes a front registration plate that is deteriorating but still legible. Earlier tests from 2024 and 2023 show clean passes, while the 2023‑01‑13 advisory flagged off‑side rear tyre damage and the 2022‑01‑24 advisory warned of front tyre wear close to the legal limit. Overall the MOT history suggests a generally stable maintenance record with a slight uptick in minor wear items in the last two years rather than a systemic deterioration. At nine years old the vehicle has logged just 37,594 miles, averaging roughly 4,200 miles per annum. This is well below the typical UK average of 10‑12 000 miles per year for a light commercial van, indicating either limited daily use or prolonged periods of storage. Low utilisation reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, but it can also mean that parts such as rubber seals, hoses and tyre compounds have aged without the benefit of regular heat cycling. The modest mileage does not mask the fact that the vehicle has been on the road for nearly a decade, so age‑related degradation must be considered alongside the low use. When inspecting the vehicle, pay particular attention to the lighting system: verify that the off‑side registration plate lamp operates correctly and that both headlamp lenses are free of cracks, moisture ingress or fogging that could impair illumination. The anti‑roll bar linkage dust cover, noted as severely deteriorated, should be examined for rust or loss of the protective barrier; a compromised cover can allow moisture to reach the ball joint, leading to premature wear, noisy clunking on uneven surfaces and reduced anti‑roll bar effectiveness. Check the condition of the front registration plate for excessive corrosion or fading, and ensure it is securely mounted. Tyre inspection is critical – the off‑side rear tyre was flagged for cracking or perishing, and the front tyres were previously near the legal tread limit. Look for sidewall cracks, tread delamination, dry rot or uneven wear patterns, and confirm that the remaining tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all four tyres. During a test drive listen for any shudder or vibration when braking, which could indicate hidden tyre or disc wear, and feel for any looseness or clunk from the front anti‑roll bar when negotiating bumps. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also assess items that deteriorate with time regardless of use. Examine the battery for sulphation, check the electrolyte level (if serviceable) and test the cranking voltage; a battery older than five years often needs replacement even if it appears to hold a charge. Inspect the under‑carriage for corrosion on the chassis, suspension bushes and coil springs, especially if the van has been stored outdoors; rusted mounting points can lead to weakened structural integrity. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two years, as hygroscopic fluid degrades with age. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended time‑based services such as timing‑belt or chain inspection, which are crucial for a vehicle that has seen limited kilometres but has been in service for nearly a decade.